Meet Our Researchers: Carlos Jorge Ramirez Flores

Name: Carlos Jorge Ramirez Flores

Hometown: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Carlos is a Mexican biologist and biochemist interested in the biology of Toxoplasma gondii. In the Knoll lab he is trying to understand the enzymes and molecules involved in the signal to start the sexual cycle of Toxoplasma. He is ​also interested in the proteins released by Toxoplasma gondii and their effects on host cells. In his free time, he likes to walk, spend time with his wife and eat ice cream (even in winter), pizza and his own Mexican food.

What inspired you to select your field of study?

Curiosity. I was raised in a family of teachers and professors. My mom was teacher of biology and chemistry. Since I was a kid, I used to read the quizzes and evaluations from my mom’s lectures. For sure I knew all the topics in advance and always had the best grades at school.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students?

There is time for everything. Time for working, for studying, but also for relaxing and spent time alone, or with your loved ones.

When you’re not in the lab, how do you spend your time?

I love to spend time with my wife Mariana and my little daughter Miranda. We love to walk and visit new places around Madison area. Small towns are the best.

If you didn’t become a scientist, what career would you have pursued?

Middle or high school teacher, I would say. When I was a kid, I used to play piano and my mom supported me for starting that (other) long career, but I changed my mind.

What is the best meal you’ve ever had?

Probably a French dinner in a hotel at Cancun when my wife and I got engaged.

You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?

I am bad singing. If needed, a Mexican pop song, Luis Miguel’s, or Juan Gabriel’s songs.

Have you ever completed anything on your “bucket list”? If so, what was it?

Living in a different country.

What is the last TV show that you binge-watched?

I think it was Money Heist years ago.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Eat what I want and be healthy. Or maybe, travel in time?

If you had a time machine, would go back in time or into the future?

Here we go, back in time for sure.